Here’s the deal. If the debt crisis in Europe or the U.S. explodes and the world goes crazy, what would you take if you had to walk out the door in five minutes and survive off the land?

No help. Just you and what’s on your back. Fast and light.

It might not even be the debt crisis that puts you out in woods.

What about China? China and other countries are engaged in information technology (IT) warfare. If a cyber attack from China took out the electrical grid, I’d run to the hills. But the debt crisis is a more realistic near-term shock.

Well, these are the five items I’d recommend to survive the debt crisis when it puts you out into the woods.

1. Axe

A quality felling axe. No cheap junk from China, and no plastic handles—a hickory or ash wood handle instead. Every household should have one. Cinch it to your pack or carry it. You can use the wood you chop for heat, light, shelter, and a fire to cook.

2. Rope

No natural fibers, but a binder twine rope (from hay baling). It holds up better, stretches, and is way lighter. Just ask the Amish, a Mennonite, or a farmer—I’m sure they’d agree. Strap it over your shoulder; it will be 100% invaluable.

3. Well-Stocked Pack

Nothing too big or heavy, no nylon or “Gore-Tex.” You want canvas or “Cordura,” with a dry bag. Fill your pack with matches, rations, a “Leatherman,” fishing line, hooks, a crank radio, water bottle, change of clothes, meds, cookware, duct tape, sharpening stone, toilet paper, a metal cup, gold and silver coins, cigars for bartering, and a flask of whiskey (not for bartering).

4. Proper Outerwear

Your outerwear should be waterproof from head to toe and hands, with military-grade boots and neutral colors. Nothing cheap from China. Layer for warmth. Tough enough to sleep in without shelter.

5. Weapons

You’ll need three weapons: a really good knife (again, nothing cheap from China, just one quality blade); a hunting rifle, like a “Remington Model Seven” or “Marlin 1894” in stainless steel, a common caliber with various loads (reliability is a must); and a takedown re-curve bow with broadhead arrows (you might need to be very quiet).

A debt crisis for an individual or a corporation is rather different than a debt crisis for a country. With countries, you are talking currencies. Currencies destabilize. A debt crisis can create and destroy wealth, and politicians love to spend money.

China, North Korea, and Iran are probably engaged in cyber warfare right now. The Internet is critical infrastructure and if something fails (like electricity), there will be trouble.

Like I said, I don’t believe in doom and gloom. I just want to be practical. Besides, a really good felling axe is a very useful tool.